Glyceryl stearate acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. Glyceryl stearate and glyceryl stearate SE help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Glyceryl stearate is a fatty acid that has many uses, including in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals: 

Cosmetics

Glyceryl stearate is used in cosmetics as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier. It helps skin feel softer and smoother, and prevents water loss. It also helps mix water and oil ingredients in formulations. 

Food

Glyceryl stearate is used in food as a thickening, emulsifying, anticaking, and preservative agent. 

Pharmaceuticals

Glyceryl stearate is used in pharmaceuticals as a solidifier and control release agent. 

Hair care

Glyceryl stearate is used in hair care to restore lost water content and bring shine to hair shafts. 

Glyceryl stearate is a white, odorless, flaky powder that tastes sweet. It's generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at levels of 1–10%.